N.S. chief pans fishery mediator proposal
Says government representative lacks `experience'
HALIFAX • The First Nations chief behind a small but contentious fishing fleet trapping Nova Scotia lobster outside the regulated season raised concerns on Sunday about Ottawa's latest bid to quell violent protests by non-Indigenous agitators.
Chief Mike Sack of the Sipekne'katik First Nation said he has his doubts about Ottawa's decision Friday to appoint a “special representative” to mediate talks between Indigenous and non-Indigenous fishers in southwestern Nova Scotia.
Sack said he's worried that Allister Surette, a university president and former politician from the area, lacks experience with Indigenous issues and may not have the capacity to be an neutral, third-party troubleshooter.
“I was surprised to learn of who he was,” Sack told The Canadian Press, noting Surette's strong ties with the province's Acadian community. “Just the dynamics of it doesn't really sit right with me.”
The federal government issued a statement Friday saying Surette is “deeply aware of the historical and current nature of the relationships among the residents of Nova Scotia, including First Nations and commercial fish harvesters.”
Still, Sack said he doesn't consider Surette's new role important to what his First Nation is trying to accomplish through ongoing nation-to-nation talks with the federal government.
“In our priority list, it's not near the top at all,” he said. “Our main priority is our management plan and getting that upheld by the government. That is where our focus is at.”
The chief said he expressed his concerns to Crown- Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett on Saturday. He said Bennett confirmed that the talks led by Surette will have no impact on negotiations between the band and Ottawa regarding the band's proposal to continue with a self-regulated lobster enterprise.
“The talks are great,” said Sack. “I'm very optimistic.”
Most of the Mi'kmaq First Nations in Nova Scotia argue they have a constitutionally protected right to earn a moderate livelihood from fishing, hunting and gathering where and when they want.